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The Ministry warns that the proposed allocation of Shs1.02 billion would reduce the salaries to Shs5 million per leader, far below the current standard
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By Our Reporter
The Ministry of Gender has appealed for Shs12.24 billion in the 2025/26 national budget to sustain the monthly salaries of 17 gazetted traditional and cultural leaders at Shs60 million each. The Ministry warns that the proposed allocation of Shs1.02 billion would reduce the salaries to Shs5 million per leader, far below the current standard.
Agnes Kunihira, Workers MP, presented the request to the Budget Committee while defending the Ministry’s Budget Framework Paper. She highlighted a Shs11.4 billion shortfall, emphasizing the need to restore the agreed payments to avoid straining relationships with cultural institutions.
“This money was approved by Cabinet in 2022 and implemented in the 2024/25 financial year. Reverting to Shs5 million undermines the directive and creates unnecessary tension,” Kunihira said.
The concern comes amid reports that Parliament approved Shs31.33 billion in April 2024 for cultural leaders’ salaries and Shs17.2 billion for palace construction in the Teso, Tieng Adhola, Buruli, and Rwenzururu kingdoms, following a Presidential directive. 
Fort Portal Central MP Alex Ruhunda expressed frustration over the proposed reduction. “Why raise expectations only to cut funding later? This puts MPs from popular kingdoms in a difficult position. How do we explain this reversal, especially during an election period?”
MPs urged the government to honor its commitments, warning that reducing emoluments could damage relations with cultural institutions and their constituencies. The committee is yet to make a final decision on the funding request.
Torch Media Africa
